Rich Man, Poor Girl (1938) in Color — Starring Robert Young & Lew Ayres

Rich Man, Poor Girl (1938) — Buy This Classic in Color

Discover Rich Man, Poor Girl, the 1938 romantic comedy directed by Reinhold Schünzel and starring Lew Ayres, now available as a professionally colorized version. A millionaire courts a working-class woman. This romantic comedy explores the comedic complications and genuine challenges that arise when love crosses class boundaries in Depression-era America. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

A millionaire courts a working-class woman. Bill, a wealthy young millionaire, has grown tired of the superficial world of high society and the women who pursue him for his money. He longs for a genuine connection with someone who values him as a person rather than as a bank account. When he meets Sally, a spirited young woman from a working-class background, he is immediately drawn to her honesty, warmth, and lack of interest in his wealth.

Bill decides to court Sally, but he quickly discovers that their different social worlds create complications. Sally’s family and friends are suspicious of the rich man’s intentions, fearing that he is merely playing with her emotions or treating her as a novelty. Sally herself is torn between her growing feelings for Bill and her fear of being hurt by the vast differences in their lives.

As Bill tries to win Sally’s heart, he must navigate the prejudices and misunderstandings that come with crossing class lines. His wealthy friends and family disapprove of the match, believing that Sally is unsuitable for his social position. Sally’s community worries that she will be changed by wealth and leave behind the values that make her special. Both Bill and Sally must decide whether love can bridge the gap between their very different lives.

The film builds to a romantic climax where the couple faces a crucial test. Bill must prove that his love is sincere and that he respects Sally for who she is, not for what she represents as a conquest. Sally must find the courage to trust Bill and believe that happiness is possible despite their differences. The resolution affirms that love can overcome class barriers when both partners are willing to meet each other with honesty and respect.

Cast & Crew

Director: Reinhold Schünzel

Stars: Lew Ayres, Ruth Hussey, Robert Benchley, Mischa Auer, Betty Furness

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Rich Man, Poor Girl was originally filmed in black and white, with cinematography that captured the contrast between the glittering world of the wealthy and the cozy neighborhoods of working-class America. This professionally colorized restoration enhances every scene with frame-by-frame precision, from the elegant ballrooms and luxury apartments to the modest homes and busy streets where Sally’s world unfolds. The colorized version reveals new visual richness in the film’s settings, where the period-accurate 1930s clothing, class-specific locations, and romantic backdrops gain authenticity that transports viewers to Depression-era America. Lew Ayres’s screen presence gains additional dimension in color, his performance conveying both the charm of a wealthy suitor and the sincerity of a man seeking genuine love. Now also available in colour.

Buy Rich Man, Poor Girl in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

Released in 1938, Rich Man, Poor Girl represents the golden age of Hollywood romantic comedies and the genre’s fascination with class-crossing romance. During the Depression, stories about wealthy individuals finding happiness with ordinary people offered audiences a form of wish fulfillment while also addressing real tensions between economic classes. The film reflects the era’s complex attitudes toward wealth, poverty, and social mobility.

The film’s exploration of love across class lines spoke to audiences navigating their own economic insecurities. In a period of widespread hardship, the idea that love could transcend money and status provided both entertainment and hope. At the same time, the film does not ignore the real difficulties such relationships face, including family opposition, social prejudice, and personal doubts.

Director Reinhold Schünzel, a European filmmaker working in Hollywood, brought a sophisticated touch to the romantic comedy genre. The film balances light humor with genuine emotion, creating a story that is both entertaining and touching. Through modern colorization, this romantic comedy reaches new audiences who can appreciate Lew Ayres’s performance, its exploration of class and love, and its place in the history of Hollywood cinema. Now also available en couleur.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 80 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Who stars in Rich Man, Poor Girl?
A: Lew Ayres stars with supporting performances by Ruth Hussey, Robert Benchley, Mischa Auer, and Betty Furness.

Q: Is Rich Man, Poor Girl a romantic comedy?
A: Yes, the film is a romantic comedy about a millionaire who falls in love with a working-class woman.

Q: What is the plot of Rich Man, Poor Girl?
A: A millionaire courts a working-class woman, and the couple must overcome class differences and family opposition to be together.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

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